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ZDNET's key takeaways
- The FCC has added mobile hotspots to its ban on foreign-made routers.
- You may pay more for your next device.
- New equipment probably won't bring as many new features.
Just a month after announcing a sweeping router ban that prohibits new foreign-made routers from hitting the US market, including popular brands like TP-Link, Linksys, and Asus, the FCC has expanded that ban to include mobile hotspots as well.
The commission hasn't made an official announcement about the expansion, but in a section that details what qualifies as a consumer-grade router (first spotted by PCMag), there's new verbiage that includes “portable or mobile MiFi Wi-Fi or hotspot devices for residential use” as well as “LTE/5G CPE devices for residential use.”
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Since the ban doesn't include any existing devices, there will be no impact on your current setup in the short term. When you might see a difference, though, is when you decide to upgrade, or your current setup gives out.
Here's a look at four ways this ban might affect you.
1. Your next hotspot may cost more
The most immediate impact could be in pricing. There shouldn't be a shortage of supply, since existing models will still be sold, but it may be difficult for some smaller manufacturers to sell in the US. And with less competition on the market, there's little incentive for the big names to keep prices low.
Also: The best hotspots you can buy
There's a solid chance you'll see fewer budget options available as smaller companies struggle to get traction, and cheaper options that are available will probably cost more.
2. You probably won't see much improvement at upgrade time
The ban applies only to new models, not to current ones. While this isn't exactly an area bustling with innovation, you do see new standards, like Wi-Fi 7, as well as other features and additions that might make a new hotspot more enticing. If no new models can hit the market, you might see these improvements either roll out more slowly or not at all. Your next upgrade might be a small refresh instead of a big overhaul.
3. You may pay more to rent from your ISP
71% of broadband users take the easiest option and rent equipment from their ISP rather than buy their own. ISPs tend to use older equipment that won't run afoul of this ban, so it might become more attractive to just use whatever your internet provider sends.
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Doing this, though, means you have less control over your network and fewer customization options. It also means you have monthly fees that replace one-time purchases, costing you more in the long run.
4. You may be tempted to use your phone
If it's more expensive to buy a mobile hotspot, you may be tempted to just tether to your phone if you're working remotely on the go or in a rural area without a reliable connection. Using your mobile data can get expensive quickly, though, especially if you're traveling internationally.
In addition to paying more to use your phone as a hotspot, you'll likely run into data caps or throttling, and your phone's battery will drain more quickly, potentially causing further difficulties.